FF7 Boss wants a physical edition to push Kingdom Hearts 4
The road ahead for Square Enix and its creative endeavors is looking incredibly ambitious, driven by a handful of titans in development. At the heart of this exciting push is Naoki Hamaguchi, who is currently navigating a massive portfolio of projects while steering the company toward a pivotal future.
Hamaguchi is not just managing projects; he is spearheading a dynamic line of development, currently pushing forward both the highly anticipated Kingdom Hearts 4 and the immersive world of Final Fantasy 7 Revelation. These two monumental titles are being developed in his own studio, Creative Studio 1, placing Hamaguchi at the center of some of the most ambitious RPG projects in the industry.
Looking toward 2027, the vision is clear and powerful. Square Enix President Takashi Kiryu has asserted that the upcoming year represents the company’s “big fight back,” a crucial turning point where everything shifts into positive momentum. This ambition is fueled by the simultaneous development of these major franchises, which are set to redefine the landscape.
The confidence in these upcoming releases is palpable. While the timeline is demanding, the development of Kingdom Hearts 4 has been particularly smooth. What was initially expected to face delays, the project is progressing faster than the history of the series, suggesting a highly organized and confident approach to the timeline.
Hamaguchi’s success in managing these massive creative undertakings is further underscored by the recognition from peers. Naoki Yoshida, the director of Final Fantasy 14, recently praised Hamaguchi for his exceptional talent in running and organizing teams, highlighting the leadership skills that make him an invaluable asset.
Beyond the development itself, Hamaguchi is also focused on the overall experience of the fanbase. He has spoken about the importance of community interaction, emphasizing that fostering a culture where fans can share their enthusiasm, ask questions, and receive autographs is vital. He believes this vibrant culture should be cherished and maintained.
Even concerning the physical presence of these celebrated games, Hamaguchi has voiced a desire for tangible connection with players, suggesting a wish for physical editions of titles like Final Fantasy 7 Revelation and Kingdom Hearts 4.
The combined energy from these projects suggests that 2027 is shaping up to be an exceptionally rich and transformative year for Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy fans, promising a truly spectacular evolution for the franchise.